As Design Day for the Keizer Rapids Park Playground Project kicked off Nov. 14, designers Jane Lewis Holman and Steven Meyer from consultant Leathers and Associates wanted to scope out the three potential sites at Keizer Rapids Park.

Richard Walsh, a key figure in making KRP happen, explained the sites with assistance from Bill Lawyer, Keizer’s Public Works director.

Holman immediately took a liking to the second option, nestled between a trail and the road leading to the boat ramp located to the south. The site features a large trail on the northwest corner and is a short walk from the amphitheater area.

“Overall, given all the choices, I really like this one,” Holman said after looking at the three options. “For a majority of the things we’re looking for, this is the safest and smartest location. This park really embodies a connection to nature. This is a beautiful spot. It feels like this was created just for a playground.”

Walsh noted there is a potential drawback to the preferred site.

“One of the biggest questions is how big (the play structure) is,” Walsh said. “Will it fit in this area?”

Holman believes the structure will fit, though she found a more pressing issue. As it stands now, the site has a hill and thus isn’t level.

“The upper platform would be awesome if it was just a structure, but we’ll have swings,” Holman said. “Accessibility laws will require us to stay at a 2 percent slope.”

Lawyer suggested dirt from the higher portion of the site could be moved.

To read the complete article and other news from around the Keizer area, pick up a copy of the November 22 print edition of Keizertimes, available at stores all around the area. To subscribe to the print edition for just $25 a year, click on the ‘Subscribe Today’ link at the top of the page, call 503-390-1051 or visit our office at 142 Chemawa Road North in Keizer.